Abstract:
Malaria is one of the most prevalent human infections worldwide and treatment
has been com-promised by drug resistance to the parasite. Calotropis procera, is
known for its pharmacological importance for many years. This study sought to
determine efficacy of Calotropis procera extracts on Plasmodium berghei in swiss
mice. In vitro antimalarial activity was carried out. In vivo parasite growth
inhibitory effect of crude extract was assessed in mice inoculated with Plasmodium
berghei (ANKA strain). The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the test extract was
performed against early infection (4-day suppressive test), curative effect against
established infection and prophylactic effect against residual infection. Acute
toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines. Anti-inflammatory and
anti-pyretic activities were carried out on the extract. The in vitro parasitaemia
suppression was IC50= 83.91± 0.375μg/ml. In vivo parasite growth inhibition effect
of crude extract of C. procera was evaluated at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg dose
levels. It suppressed parasitaemia by P˂ 0.0001 at 600 mg/kg dose level in the 4-
day test. In curative and prophylactic potential tests, it suppressed parasitaemia by
P˂ 0.001 and P< 0.0015 at 600 mg/kg dose level, respectively. In vivo toxicity
tests revealed mild toxicity at high dose. All parasitaemia suppressions were
statistically significant at P< 0.05 as compared to the vehicle-treated group. The
antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities showed P< 0.0002 and P< 0.0144 at
dose 300 mg/kg. The crude extract also prolonged survival time in a dosedependent
manner. The investigation results suggest that the leave extract of C.
procera possesses antimalarial activity. It is therefore necessary for the
government to create funds for research institutions to carry out a series of work on
other plants to elucidate its potency in treating the malaria disease.
